LU konference
Contents include:
Leading the University team – professor Andris Kangro
Since November of 2011, Professor Andris Kangro has assumed the office of Pro-Rector at the University of Latvia (UL). A. Kangro was professor at the UL Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Art up to then. Since 1993 the office has been taken up by Professor Juris Krumins, Dr.phys., Prof. A. Kangro was Dean of the UL Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology from 1998 till 2010. Since 2010 he was Dean of the UL Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Art. Professor A. Kangro is one of the founders and managers of the quality research branch of international evaluation of educational achievement in Latvia and the respective organizational structures. Since 1991 he has been a UL Senate member. At the University of Latvia, Pro-Rectors are approved by the UL Senate on the recommendation of Rector. In the interview, professor shares stories from his own experience working at the University and outlines his future plans.
Teaching to pupils, not the subject
Three students from the University of Latvia have participated in the Possible Mission programme. Although they major in different fields, they accepted the challenge of standing in front of a classroom full of children to teach. Inese Pelnena taught biology and natural sciences in Mezciema Primary School for two years; Arnis Kleinbergs taught history in Mezciema Primary School; and Pavels Nazarovs taught physics in Riga Osvalda Secondary School. Both young men continue working in school even after the Possible Mission, and Inese has decided to apply her teaching experience at the University. All of them have gained a unique experience and can affirm that the conclusions made and skills developed have been very enriching.
The most versatile association at the University of Latvia
The University of Latvia (UL) is not only a place for students, professors, scientists and other staff. The UL seniors are active participants of the University life, too. The association has 300 members that wish to preserve their connection with the University and feel like wholesome members of the earlier staff. The most active nucleus of the association consists of approximately 60 people. In this heart-warming story, the University seniors reveal their activities that include further education, excursions, recreation, festivities as well as political activities.
How does one become a patron? M.M.V. Petkevica Memorial Scholarship
For 10 years the M.M.V. Petkevica Memorial Scholarship has been granted to the talented first year students of the University of Latvia that come from large families and families with poor income. It is possible to apply for the scholarship every March. Ruta Krastina, a member of the scholarship committee at the University of Latvia and authorized manager of M.M.V. Petkevica’s property bequeathed to the University of Latvia, tries also to explore M.M.V. Petkevica’s dramatic life story and the background for her becoming a patron.
Good news – the tradition continues!
At the end of November, a travelling photography exhibition “9x9” was opened at the music club NABAKLAB of the University of Latvia’s radio NABA. The exhibition celebrates Radio NABA’s 9th birthday with this year’s theme “News”. The photography contest and, following it, the photography exhibition have been organized for 5 years so far, and they have become one of the traditions of Radio NABA’s birthday celebration. Edmunds Gross with his work “Addicts” (“Atkarīgie”), Dace Harlesden with her photograph “Tell me, what’s new?” (“Stāsti, kas jauns?”) and Arturs Daukulis with “Turn off the thoughts!” (“Izslēdz domas!”) were the winners of the photography contest. Their works will be reproduced on BadDog post cards that travel across the city. The magazine “Rīgas Laiks” (“The Riga Time”) chose and presented its favourite artist with a yearly subscription: Veronika Lokotko for her photograph “Weather News: it is sunny” (“Laika ziņas: ir saulains”).
Econometrics research may affect government decision-making, claims Mihails Hazans
Migration, unemployment, earnings, economics of education –these are only a few research topics that Mihails Hazans works on. He is not only a professor of econometrics at the University of Latvia, Faculty of Economics and Management. Mihails is also the principal investigator of many projects and an independent labour market expert. He has just received “Spidola Award” for socially important research in demography. Mihails’ students take part in the research process, too. Results of his research often affect the Latvian government decision-making.
A valuable contribution of medical literature to the Library of the University of Latvia
With the support of the Women’s Auxiliary „Daugavas Vanadzes” (USA) and its President Astra Iesalnieks, the University of Latvia (UL) Library has formed cooperation with the Health Sciences Library of South East Area Health Education Centre (SEAHEC). Owing to Donna Flake, the director of SEAHEC, the UL Library has received two donations of new medical books and periodicals. The UL Medical Library is the youngest branch library of the UL Library. Therefore, all contributions to its collection that can be applied in the process of studies are highly appreciated. It is noteworthy that many contributions to the UL Library are also regularly made by the staff of the UL Faculty of Medicine and the Student Council.
A soon-to-be lawyer and mother of triplets
Although now she refers to herself as the mother of triplets, Viktorija Buivide is a joyful and diligent student at the UL Faculty of Law as well as an employee at Riga Municipality Police. Despite the new responsibilities, she intends to start working on her Bachelor Thesis and plans to graduate next summer. She has only good things to say about the professors and staff of the Faculty and finds all academic requirements reasonable. Viktorija is grateful to all who have congratulated her and says that for some people it may be a bigger challenge to take care of just one baby than for her – of the three little ones.
Jampadracis 2011 sports games for the University of Latvia staff
Jampadracis 2011 games for the UL staff have been organized for the 9th year. This year, they took place at the sports complex Arkadija on September 28 as part of the 92nd birthday celebration of the University. 100 staff members and lecturers of the University participated in this event.
- <link eng general press almamater>Magazine "Alma Mater"
